KCB104VG2CA-A43: 10.4-inch Industrial CSTN Display
Content last revised on October 25, 2025.
Product Overview
Engineered for Legacy System Continuity and MRO
The Kyocera KCB104VG2CA-A43 is a 10.4-inch CSTN display module designed for seamless integration and long-term reliability in established industrial applications. Delivering essential performance through a classic VGA interface, it provides a crucial solution for maintaining and extending the life of capital equipment. Its core specifications include a 640x480 VGA resolution, a 40,000-hour CCFL backlight, and a standard 8-bit parallel data interface. Key benefits include simplified system repairs and the elimination of costly equipment redesigns. For extending the operational life of industrial equipment with a VGA interface, this 10.4-inch display is the optimal choice for form, fit, and function replacement.
Key Parameter Overview
Decoding the Specifications for System Integration
The technical parameters of the KCB104VG2CA-A43 are specified to ensure compatibility and predictable performance in its target industrial environments. The combination of resolution, interface, and backlight technology is geared towards providing a stable, long-term display solution for legacy systems.
| Parameter | Specification | Engineering Value |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Size | 10.4 inch | Standard size for a wide range of industrial HMI and control panel applications. |
| Resolution | 640(RGB)×480 (VGA) | Ensures direct, drop-in compatibility with existing systems without software or driver modifications. |
| Display Technology | STN, Normally Black, Transmissive | Provides clear, high-contrast data visualization for status indicators and control interfaces. |
| Brightness | 160 cd/m² (Typ.) | Sufficient luminance for typical indoor industrial and factory floor environments. |
| Backlight System | 2 pcs CCFL, 40,000 Hours Lifetime | Offers a long and predictable service life, critical for reducing maintenance in 24/7 operations. |
| Signal Interface | Parallel Data (8-bit) | A widely used, robust interface in legacy industrial controllers (PLCs) and single-board computers. |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 50°C | Reliable performance in controlled indoor industrial environments. |
| Outline Dimensions | 264 × 183 × 9 mm | Standard mechanical footprint facilitates physical integration and replacement. |
Download the KCB104VG2CA-A43 datasheet for detailed specifications and performance curves.
Application Scenarios & Value
System-Level Benefits in Industrial Control and Legacy Equipment
The KCB104VG2CA-A43 provides its greatest value in scenarios where operational continuity is paramount. Consider an aging CNC machine or a process control HMI where the original display has failed. The system's controller and software are validated and cannot be easily changed. The KCB104VG2CA-A43's native 640x480 resolution and parallel data interface allow an engineer to perform a direct replacement, restoring functionality in hours instead of weeks. This avoids a complete system overhaul, which would involve costly hardware upgrades, software redevelopment, and extensive re-validation. What is the primary benefit of its VGA resolution? It allows direct replacement in legacy systems without costly redesigns.
By providing a form, fit, and function replacement, this display directly supports Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) strategies, minimizing downtime and maximizing the return on investment of existing industrial automation infrastructure. For systems that may require a different resolution or form factor, the G104S1-L01 offers a 10.4-inch SVGA (800x600) alternative, while the G084SN05 V9 provides a compact 8.4-inch option for smaller enclosures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Design and Integration Considerations
What is the significance of the STN (Super-Twisted Nematic) display technology in this model?
STN technology is a mature and cost-effective solution optimized for displaying information with high contrast and clarity, such as text, numbers, and graphical status indicators. While modern TFT panels offer wider viewing angles, STN provides excellent readability for its intended purpose in industrial control panels where the operator is typically positioned directly in front of the screen. This makes it an economical choice for legacy system support.
How does the 40,000-hour CCFL backlight lifetime impact system maintenance planning?
A 40,000-hour rating translates to approximately 4.5 years of continuous, 24/7 operation. This long and predictable lifespan is a critical parameter for maintenance planners. It allows them to schedule preventative replacement cycles that align with other major equipment servicing, thereby minimizing unplanned downtime and reducing the total cost of ownership over the equipment's extended lifecycle.
What are the key considerations when connecting the 8-bit parallel data interface?
The 8-bit parallel interface is a straightforward and robust connection method common in legacy industrial systems. Key considerations for a successful integration include ensuring the signal voltage levels from the host controller match the display's 5.0V requirement, keeping cable lengths short to maintain signal integrity, and verifying the pinout matches the legacy system's connector.
Is an external backlight driver required for the KCB104VG2CA-A43?
Yes, the datasheet indicates that the CCFL backlight system requires a backlight driver, which is an optional component. Engineers must source a compatible CCFL inverter to power the backlight. This modular approach was common in displays of this vintage and allows for flexibility in system design and component sourcing.
Technical Deep Dive
A Closer Look at Backlight Longevity and System Compatibility
The deliberate use of a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) backlight in the KCB104VG2CA-A43 is a key feature for its target applications. Unlike modern LED backlights that have different power requirements and degradation characteristics, the CCFL system is a known quantity in the industrial sector. Its 40,000-hour service life provides a reliable operational benchmark. This is analogous to using a time-tested industrial motor; its performance, failure modes, and maintenance needs are well-documented, removing uncertainty from system design and long-term support.
Furthermore, the display's reliance on the foundational VGA standard is a strategic advantage for extending the life of industrial HMI systems. This standard is a pillar of industrial computing, with countless controllers, single-board computers, and software GUIs built around its 4:3 aspect ratio and 640x480 pixel matrix. By adhering to this specification, the KCB104VG2CA-A43 acts as a bridge, enabling multi-million dollar manufacturing lines to continue operating reliably without being forced into a premature and resource-intensive modernization cycle. More information on the evolution of this technology can be found in resources detailing the fundamentals of TFT-LCD and related display technologies from manufacturers like AUO.
Strategic Value Proposition
The Kyocera KCB104VG2CA-A43 is more than a display; it is a strategic component for asset lifecycle management. Its primary value lies not in cutting-edge performance, but in providing a stable, reliable, and compatible solution that protects the significant investment in existing industrial infrastructure. By facilitating targeted repairs and upgrades, it empowers engineering and maintenance teams to defer major capital expenditures and focus resources on process optimization rather than forced hardware obsolescence.
